Celebrating with STEM: Classroom Activities for the Seasons and Holidays

No matter what subject you teach, you know that STEM is a buzzword in education. Schools are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math into the curriculum. Although the idea can sound a bit overwhelming, it’s easy to promote STEM in your classroom, especially when you combine it with a holiday celebration.

In honor of National STEM Day (November 8), check out this list of holiday STEM activities guaranteed to bring smiles to your classroom. Put STEM into action today and all throughout the school year.

Halloween STEM Activities

Or, after the big day, have students bring in leftover candy for more hands-on STEM experiments.

Thanksgiving STEM Activities

Let your students put their creativity to use when they build a tin foil boat to transport pilgrims. Can they make a boat that will not sink, even when filled with pilgrims and their supplies?

Using simple tools like pencils and plastic spoons, have students create candy corn catapults and then compete to see who can launch their treats the farthest. It’s a great way to demonstrate the principles of physics.

STEM for Wintertime Celebrations

Here’s a sweet idea from Teaching to Inspire that incorporates engineering and imagination. Have groups of students create gumdrop trees and then compare the creations.

No matter what the weather’s like where you live, you can make it snow indoors with this experiment. And, after you’ve created your own snowstorms, whip up a batch of fake snow and let your kids play.

STEM Activities for Valentine’s Day

Show your students the power of static electricity when you make flying cupids. Make sure you have your camera ready, too, to capture the hair-raising fun!

Gather a supply of conversation hearts and put them to work in these experiments. Whether they’re building a structure or launching candy down a slide, your class will be putting STEM into practice.

St. Patrick’s Day STEM Activities

Rainbow War offers kids an opportunity to practice their fractions while also having fun.

Or, use manipulatives to have students create leprechaun traps. Need inspiration? Check out these ideas to get you started.

STEM for Springtime Celebrations

Combine physics, materials science, and fluid dynamics with an egg drop experiment. From creating contraptions to protect their eggs, to calculating speed, students will have lots of opportunities to see STEM in action.

Does anyone really like to eat Peeps? OK, probably someone, but everyone will enjoy these Peeps science experiments from Lemon Lime Adventures. Discover what makes a Peep dissolve, how to grow a Peep, and more.

Have you tried holiday STEM activities to celebrate in your classroom? What was your favorite?